Complete and Partial Dentures

If your smile has been extensively damaged and you are missing multiple teeth or all of your teeth, we may recommend complete or partial dentures to restore the function, beauty, and health of your smile. Our modern dentures are comfortable, functional, and beautiful. We provide services for traditional dentures as well as implant-supported restorations

What are Dentures?

Full or partial dentures can be a helpful restorative option for people who are missing several or even all of their teeth. Dentures are designed to be worn every day and removed at night. They are designed to sit over the gums and around any existing teeth. However, it is important to note that dentures cannot serve as a replacement for teeth; rather, they are an alternative to the absence of teeth.

Dentures are an alternative to dental bridges Dentures can also be placed over implants and abutments. This is called an over-denture and is an excellent combination treatment alternative with great results.

There are two kinds of dentures

Complete dentures

A complete denture is used to replace all of the teeth in a full dental arch. We may suggest a complete denture to replace all of the teeth in both arches or just one, depending on your individual needs. Our dentist may suggest using a denture adhesive for improved stability.

Partial dentures

A partial denture is used if you are missing multiple teeth but have remaining natural teeth. A partial denture often includes a thin framework or clasps that attach to the natural teeth for a secure fit.

Our team may recommend complete or partial dentures to restore your smile if you are missing multiple teeth; dentures can improve your ability to properly speak and eat, restore your natural facial volume, and enhance the overall beauty of your smile. Your dentures will be custom made to fit your smile comfortably, aesthetically, and securely. We invite you to call or visit us soon to learn more about how dentures can improve your smile!

What are the steps involved in making a denture?

Dentures require several steps to complete, as well as for adjusting the denture for the best possible fit. This includes several visits to the office.

Step 1

We will take an impression of your gums. If you need extractions before creating your denture, our dentist will wait until your gums have healed before taking the impressions.

Step 2

Wax rims are placed in the mouth to establish a proper bite and orientation (occlusion) of the teeth. Patients can then select the size, shape and shade of the teeth for the denture. We will help you to make this selection, but we also recommend having someone who knows you very well help make the selection. The impressions, as well as the selection for shape, size and shade of the teeth will be sent to our dental lab.

Step 3

Try-In: This is a critical step in the denture process. The dental lab will send a mockup of your denture, which includes a set of pre-made plastic teeth, set in wax, to make sure you are happy with the general color, look, fit and feel of the denture. If any changes are needed, additional try-in appointments may be necessary. Once the denture is made to your satisfaction, the try-in denture will be sent back to the lab to create the final denture. We will always help to make sure you are pleased with your denture, and that it looks and feels as natural as possible. However, this is an important and final decision, and we strongly support bringing a spouse or friend who knows you well, and who will give you honest feedback about how the denture looks so you can make your selection with the greatest amount of confidence.

Step 4

This is the fitting of your final denture. The lab has now processed the premade teeth into a hard, tissue colored acrylic base. If necessary, your dentist will make adjustments to the fit and the bite, and you may need to return to the office if you experience any sore spots or issue within the next few weeks to have the denture adjusted.

Immediate Dentures

If you need a tooth extraction, we may recommend an immediate denture. Patients often wear these to help them get used to having dentures, and also as a temporary replacement during the extraction healing process which can sometimes take weeks or months. Our dentist will take an impression of your teeth prior to the extraction and these impressions will be used by our dental lab to create your denture. With an immediate denture, your denture will be ready to wear right after your extractions have been completed. Immediate dentures typically require adjustment and relining, because they were made before any extractions, which can change the shape of your gums and jaw.

We invite you to call or visit us soon to learn more about how dentures can improve your smile!